I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in your distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin' out reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance...I hope you dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

May I Present, Mr and Mrs James Billings

So I realized after I titled this post that I managed not to upload a single picture of Mr and Mrs Billings...Let me just say that I have heard the expression before that if you are lucky enough to have one good friend, you are truly lucky. Well, maybe I should start buying lottery tickets because I may be the luckiest person in the world. I feel so blessed to have such an exceptional group of friends, and even more impressive is that most of my dearest friends have been friends since before we could even drive! One of these life-long friends tied the knot this weekend and I could not be happier for Carolyne and James. There are not two nicer people in this world and they deserve every bit of happiness that I know is coming there way. Here are a few pictures of the big day, and Carolyne and James, here's to you!

The Light of my Heart

I cannot believe my BABY is 2 years old! Where does the time go?! I remember being told when I was pregnant (I am guessing with Annah) that you just can't imagine how much you will love your children. You know cognitively that you will love them, but wow, "love" just doesn't seem to capture the feeling. We had a fun party for my sweet birthday boy...here are a few pictures... (they are uploading out of order, but I am tired of working on it, so here goes)

Dear Liam,

You bring me more joy than I ever could have imagined. You are ever-optimistic, full of love, and always ready for a good time. You wear your emotions on your sleeve. You are so special and we all love you so very much. It seems as though it was just yesterday that you were born, but you are growing up so fast. Every once in a while, I look at you and I am amazed that you are my son. I love you to pieces my sweet boy!

Love, Mommy

Family Beach Trip

We take a trip to the beach as a family every year (the kids and I take many, many trips to the beach, but it's a bit harder for Will to get away). We went a little early this year and it was perfect. Mid 80's with a breeze and lots and lots of fun in the sun!

We splashed, we built sand castles, we chased the seagulls, and we just hung out

Annah did a lot of dancing...

...and Liam and Grandaddy walked hand in hand...

...made some "cakes"...

...got a little sandy...

...and created Rainbow Row (Shuping style)!

Happy Mother's Day

My sweet babies bring me joy every single day (even though sometimes I am hard-pressed to see the joy!) and Annah's school makes a big deal out of Mother's Day with Muffins with Mom. The kids made the moms a ton of gifts and sang the sweetest song (although the song stated that mom makes pies...clearly I need to get on the ball with this). I am so impressed with how much Annah has grown over the past year. She has really developed a sense of self confidence that just makes my heart smile!

A year ago, this child would have NEVER gotten in front of all these people and sang a song...but just look at her now!